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Anyone who has given fly fishing a go, will know all about the exhilarating rush of reeling in a catch. Fly fishing is a sport that can be whatever you want it to be. Whether you decide to take it up as a hobby or a serious lifelong pursuit, there’s plenty to learn, understand and refine. If you’re a fly fishing newbie then this short guide will help give you the best possible start. It won’t however make you catch fish – that comes with much practice and dedication! Read on to discover everything you need to consider before you get casting.

The type of bait you use for fishing can be quite an important one, depending on what you are fishing for you might require different species of bait. Sticking with the theme of ‘First-Time fishers’ we have also compiled a list of some of the best baits available for first-time fishers. The list includes a mixture of live and frozen baits depending on where you are fishing and what you are fishing for.

As is the case when you learn any new skill or take up any new hobby, you will doubtless receive conflicting advice when it comes to purchasing the correct equipment to get you started. If you’re not sure that you want to take up fishing or angling as a serious past-time, but you’re keen to test the waters (pun intended) then it’s possible you won’t wish to spend too much money on your first fishing rod. So we’ve compiled a handy, introductory guide to the ten cheapest fishing rods (under £100) in our range, perfect for the amateur fisher or angler.

Fishing is a year-round pastime. Whether you wait with baited breath for the warm summer months where you can relax by a stream with your rod in hand, just waiting for the fish to bite, or you don’t mind a spot of cold and are perfectly happy ice fishing, the attraction of fishing for some cannot be argued.

The right fishing knot is essential for ensuring to enjoying a successful fishing expedition. There are two most effective fishing knots, regularly employed by fisherman across the UK. These are the Rapala and Kreh fishing knot. However, there are also accepted fishing knots that are also regularly employed for their effectiveness. Here’s a look at fishing knots, and how to tie them, in greater detail.

As keen anglers we love the thrill and excitement of the British Carp Angling Championship (BCAC) at Basstastic. In 2015, plucky anglers from around the country will be competing against each other with a view to win the outright prize on 11th September.

How many knots do you use when you spend time fishing by the bank? Bet you’re quite nifty in the art of knot tying by now and prefer certain versions to tie lures or hooks.

Having all-rounder knowledge in knot tying is a useful tool for anglers. Learn some of these essential knots and you’ll be well-prepared the next time you head to the riverbank.

Here are some of our favourite knots.

Knots for hooks and lures

Loop knot

This is a good option for tying hooks. Done properly it creates a fixed loop which enables the hook to move freely. It’s best to use this kind of knot on larger lines where tighter knots often impede the hook.

Palomar knot

This is a strong knot created by doubling the line over first. It can comfortably cope with 20 pounds of fish and is popular with most anglers thanks to its strong, durable dependency.

Improved clinch knot

It might have a fancy title but the improved clinch knot comfortably copes with hefty catches. The knot is created with a series of windings around the end of the line, the tag end is pulled through the loop and any excess is trimmed short.

Knots to tie lines

Surgeon’s knot

Snap a line and this can be frustrating. Don’t worry though, you can repair broken lines with different styles of knots and the ‘Surgeon’ is a classic option that makes lines nice and secure. The Surgeon’s knot requires a fair amount of overlapping line but once you master it this is a useful ally to have in your fishing arsenal.

Figure of eight loop

This is another useful knot for repairing broken lines. It’s also easy to master after a few attempts. As the name implies the knot is created by crafting a figure of eight with the line. With practice you’ll be tying it like a pro.

Full instructions on how to tie all of these knots and plenty more can be found through online tutorials. Or call into our shop at Basstastic and we don’t mind explaining a few of them to you in person.

Cod fishing brings a whole new range of challenges and simply choosing the best bait to catch a whopper will be a test in itself.

Shop in store at Basstastic and we have plenty of live and frozen baits ready to lure prime specimens onto your line, sand eels and squid are just some of the options you can choose.

When it comes to catching cod you have to be crafty, choose one of these baits and that line will be tugging before you have time to think.

Peeler crab

Ask anyone that goes sea angling and they will agree a peeler crab is one of the best baits you can use to attract cod, bass and other popular species of fish. Peeler crabs are favoured by match and competition anglers, they get their name by shedding the hard outer shell as they grow, pick up a peeler before it has chance to grow another shell and you have a powerful and potent bait.

Lugworm

Dangle a nice juicy lugworm on the end of your line and cod can’t resist. Lugworms are too tempting, slide one onto a hook or to really grab attention add two or three and be prepared for a feeding frenzy as cod try to attack the line.

Razor Fish

Pulled straight from the ground at low tide, a razor fish can be a good addition to your arsenal of bait. Plenty of anglers use razor fish as part of a seafood cocktail, mixed with squid or blow lugs it can work really well on a good day and attract plenty of attention.

Ragworm

This often overlooked jewel makes a useful addition to a bait box. It’s good for catching cod and pretty useful at luring bass too. We stock live ragworms at Basstastic, add one to a hook and fish for cod or try your luck at bass, stand on the beach and fish in the surf, watch your haul grow throughout the day.

Bait is everything when you go fishing. Contact any member of the team at Basstastic for advice on bait or fishing essentials.